“But believe me, O noble Tiberius, in the city there is an undercurrent of discontent, set in motion by these friends of Agrippina, that, if not stemmed in time, will break forth into civil war. Already sides are being taken, and I can prove to thee that there are some who call themselves ‘partisans of Agrippina.’”
“Art thou sure of the information from Agrippina’s house?”
“Ay, O great Tiberius; her maid faithfully reports every two days. The servant who spied for us before was caught. Agrippina had him beaten and cast into the streets. The maid is his sister. We have good reason to trust her reports.”
“What are thy suggestions against these great men?” asked the emperor.
“Charge them with treason.”
“And Sosia?”
“Accuse her also.”
“Are there others who dare to talk openly against me?”
“Ay; through my spies I have learned of Calpurnius Piso.”
“One of that illustrious and noble family is also mine enemy!” exclaimed Tiberius.